Method and system for pipe conveyed logging

ABSTRACT

Method and system for pipe conveyed logging (PCL) operations in which the drillpipe conveys a logging tool. The method and system coordinate operation of a wireline winch and drilling rig control systems to synchronize their operation, and/or the method and system attenuate the pull force applied to an upper end of the cable and transmit the attenuated force toward a lower end of the cable to reduce the risks of premature cable release and cable damage.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

None.

BACKGROUND

In the oilfield operation, pipe-conveyed logging (PCL) may be used whenthe well deviates from vertical or is horizontal or otherwise preventsor makes risky wireline or slickline well logging, which depend ongravity to run the logging tool into the well. In this situation, thelogging tool is conveyed by the drillpipe, and thus requires theoperation of both the wireline winch control system and the drilling rigcontrol system. As a result, PCL is considerably more complicated andmuch slower than wireline or slickline logging in non-deviated wells.

As shown in FIG. 1, a PCL operation in a borehole H includes theoperation of rig equipment, e.g., top drive TD, drawworks DW, drillpipeDP, and so on, and the wireline equipment, e.g., winch W, cable WL,logging tool LT, and so on. The cable WL is secured outside thedrillpipe DP with a cable clamp assembly CCA and enters the drillpipe DPthrough a cable side entry sub (CSES) and is connected to the connectorhead of the tool LT with a weak point connector WP above the loggingtool LT. In the event of a stuck logging tool LT or drillpipe DP, thecable WL may be disconnected at the weakpoint WP by increasing tensionon the cable WL at the winch W, allowing the cable WL to be retrieved tothe surface S separately from the drillpipe DP.

The operation of the cable WL is controlled through a winch controlsystem WCS operated by a wireline operator via a first human-machineinterface (HMI) HMI-1, typically located in a wireline truck WT, whichis independent from a rig control system RCS operated by the driller viaa second operator via HMI-2. Thus, a successful PCL operation requiresclose collaboration between the wireline operator and the rig operatorthat makes the logging complicated, slow, and thus expensive. Forexample, the winch W must be stopped when the drillpipe DP translationis stopped and the drillpipe DP is held in the rotary table to connector disconnect stands of pipe into the drillstring Then the winch W mustbe started as the drillpipe DP translation is started, and then let outor take up the cable WL at the same rate as the rig control system RCStranslates the drillpipe DP. During the running-in-hole operation, ifthe drill pipe DP is run faster than the cable WL, there is a risk ofover-tensioning the cable WL and prematurely disconnecting at the weakpoint WP, or breaking the cable WL. Conversely, if the drill pipe DPruns slower than the cable WL, there is a risk of birdnesting the cableWL in the hole H, causing equipment damage such as kinking the cable WL,jamming the winch W, stuck DP, etc.

The industry has an ongoing need for the development or improvement ofPCL operating methods and systems to address one or more of the problemsnoted above or otherwise.

SUMMARY OF DISCLOSURE

In some embodiments according to the present disclosure, a system tofacilitate control of a pipe conveyed logging (PCL) operation may reducethe risks of premature weakpoint release and cable damage, and/orimprove efficiency of the PCL operation.

In some embodiments according to the disclosure, a PCL method maycomprise adjusting a wireline weakpoint release force by selectivelywinding the cable at the outside diameter (OD) of the drillstring abovethe side entry sub, and/or coordinating operation of the wireline winchand drilling rig control systems to automatically synchronize theoperation of the systems.

Other aspects and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from thefollowing description and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic of a conventional pipe conveyed logging (PCL)operation.

FIG. 2 is a schematic of a PCL operation in accordance with someembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3A is a schematic of pull force attenuation in accordance with someembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3B is a sectional view of the schematic of FIG. 3A as seen alongthe view lines 3B-3B.

FIG. 4 is a schematic of an integrated control system for a PCLoperation in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a schematic of another integrated control system for a PCLoperation in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

GLOSSARY

“Above”, “upper”, “heel” and like terms in reference to a well,wellbore, tool, formation, refer to the relative direction or locationnear or going toward or on the surface side of the device, item, flow orother reference point, whereas “below”, “lower”, “toe” and like terms,refer to the relative direction or location near or going toward or onthe bottom hole side of the device, item, flow or other reference point,regardless of the actual physical orientation of the well or wellbore,e.g., in vertical, horizontal, downwardly and/or upwardly slopedsections thereof.

As used herein, the words “about” or “approximately” are used to referto numbers or values that may vary by up to 1%, 2%, or 5%.

The term “and/or” refers to both the inclusive “and” case and theexclusive “or” case, whereas the term “and or” refers to the inclusive“and” case only and such terms are used herein for brevity. For example,a component comprising “A and/or B” may comprise A alone, B alone, orboth A and B; and a component comprising “A and or B” may comprise Aalone, or both A and B.

Attenuate—to lessen or reduce the force, effect, or value of.

Automatic—working by itself with little or no direct human control.

Birdnest—to tangle a line; the resulting tangle.

Borehole or wellbore—the portion of the well extending from the Earth'ssurface formed by or as if by drilling, i.e., the wellbore itself,including the cased and open hole or uncased portions of the well.

Cable—single-strand or multi-strand the wire or cable used in a welloperation or system and connected to downhole tools as they are loweredand raised in a well; also called a wireline.

Cable side entry sub (CSES)—a sub that allows cable to cross over frominside the drillpipe to outside the drillpipe.

Communicating—sharing or exchanging information, data, or signals.

Conjugating—combining, linking, or joining two things together.

Controller—a thing that directs or regulates something.

Control system—a system that manages, commands, directs, or regulatesthe behavior of other devices or systems.

Coordinate—bring the different elements of a complex system or activityinto a harmonious or efficient relationship.

Databus—a communication system that transfers data between components ina device or system.

Deviated wellbore—a wellbore that is inclined from a vertical direction.

Drillpipe—pipe connected in a drillstring.

Drillstring—an assembly of connected pipe, drill collars, and or toolslowered from the surface and extending into a wellbore.

Drive—the transmission of power to machinery.

Top drive—a unit that connects and transmits rotary power to the top ofa drillstring.

Each—used to refer to every one of two or more things, regarded andidentified separately.

Embodiments—non-limiting tangible or visible forms of an idea or qualityaccording to the present disclosure.

End—the furthest or most extreme part of something.

Force—strength or energy as an attribute of physical action or movement;a push or pull on an object

Framework—a basic structure underlying a system or concept.

Human-machine interface—an application or device that interacts with ahuman operator to present information about the state of a process orsystem, and to receive control instructions.

Integrated—having various parts or aspects linked or coordinated.

Line—a length of cord, rope, wire, or other material serving aparticular purpose, such as pipe or tubing used to transmit flow, sound,light, etc. or cables or wires used to transmit electrical current.

Pipe—a tube of metal, plastic, or other material used to convey orcontain water, gas, oil, or other fluid substances.

Release—to set free.

Remote—distant or far away.

Rotary table—a revolving or spinning section of the drillfloor thatprovides power to turn the drillstring.

Signal—an acoustic, physical, chemical, electrical, electromagnetic, orother impulse transmitted or received.

Slickline—a well operation or system employing single-strand cableconnected to downhole tools as they are lowered and raised in a well;the wire or cable used in such operations.

Sub—any small component of a drillstring.

Sub, side entry—a drillstring component that allows passage of a line,component, or material between the inside and outside of thedrillstring.

Surface—the surface of the Earth.

Synchronize—cause to occur or operate at the same time or rate.

Tension—apply a force to something that tends to stretch it.

Tool—a device or implement used to carry out a particular function.

Tool, downhole—a device or implement used in a wellbore.

Tool, logging—a device or implement used in a wellbore to collectwellbore or formation data for creation of a record or log, e.g., asonde.

Pipe conveyed logging (PCL)—logging with a tool carried on drillpipe.

Translate—move from one place to another.

Weakpoint—the location of lowest strength.

Well—a deep hole or shaft sunk into the earth, e.g., to obtain water,oil, gas, or brine.

Winding—wrapping or twisting something around itself or another object;the resulting arrangement.

Wireline—a well operation or system employing single-strand ormulti-strand wire or cable connected to downhole tools as they arelowered and raised in a well; the wire or cable used in such or similaroperations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous details are set forth to providean understanding of the present disclosure. However, it may beunderstood by those skilled in the art that the methods of the presentdisclosure may be practiced without these details and that numerousvariations or modifications from the described embodiments may bepossible. At the outset, it should be noted that in the development ofany such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisionsmay be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such ascompliance with system related and business-related constraints, whichwill vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will beappreciated that such a development effort might be complex and timeconsuming but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those ofordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. In thesummary and this detailed description, each numerical value should beread once as modified by the term “about” (unless already expressly somodified), and then read again as not so modified unless otherwiseindicated in context. Also, in the summary and this detaileddescription, it should be understood that a range listed or described asbeing useful, suitable, or the like, is intended to include support forany conceivable sub-range within the range at least because every pointwithin the range, including the end points, is to be considered ashaving been stated. For example, “a range of from 1 to 10” is to be readas indicating each possible number along the continuum between about 1and about 10. Furthermore, one or more of the data points in the presentexamples may be combined together, or may be combined with one of thedata points in the specification to create a range, and thus includeeach possible value or number within this range. Thus, (1) even ifnumerous specific data points within the range are explicitlyidentified, (2) even if reference is made to a few specific data pointswithin the range, or (3) even when no data points within the range areexplicitly identified, it is to be understood (i) that the inventorsappreciate and understand that any conceivable data point within therange is to be considered to have been specified, and (ii) that theinventors possessed knowledge of the entire range, each conceivablesub-range within the range, and each conceivable point within the range.Furthermore, the subject matter of this application illustrativelydisclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of anyelement(s) that are not specifically disclosed herein.

In any embodiment of the disclosure, a pipe conveyed logging (PCL)system may comprise a logging tool conjugated with a lower end of adrillstring, a side entry sub located in the drill string at a distanceabove the logging tool, and a cable connected to the logging tool andpassing inside the drillstring from the logging tool, through the sideentry sub, and outside the drillstring above the side entry sub to awinch.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the PCL system maycomprise an integrated control framework comprising a rig control systemto translate the drillstring in a wellbore, a wireline winch controlsystem to translate the cable in the wellbore, and a controller toautomatically synchronize the translation of the drillstring and thecable in the wellbore.

The integrated control system may further comprise a databus incommunication between the rig control system, the wireline winch controlsystem, and the controller, and or may further comprise a gatewaybetween the rig control system and the databus, a gateway between thewireline winch control system and the databus, or a combination thereof.

The integrated control system may further comprise a human-machineinterface in communication with the controller, e.g., the controller maycomprise a human-machine interface. In any embodiment, the integratedcontrol system may comprise the human-machine interface in communicationwith the databus. In some embodiments, the controller may reside in therig control system, the wireline control system, or a combinationthereof, or outside either control system.

In some embodiments, the PCL system may further comprise a drive torotate the drillstring in the well to selectively wind and unwind thecable at least partially around the drillstring above the cable clampingassembly, e.g., a top drive and/or rotary table. The winding mayattenuate a pull force applied to the cable from above the winding, andtransmit the attenuated pull force to the cable below the winding. Therig control system may automatically control rotation of the drillstringaccording to an angle input parameter for the winding corresponding to adesired degree of the attenuation.

In some embodiments, the PCL system may further comprise a cableclamping assembly securing the cable to the drillstring below thewinding adjacent to the side entry sub, and the cable clamping assemblymay comprise a release set to activate at a predetermined activationforce on the cable. The cable clamping assembly release may comprise,for example, shear bolts set to shear at the predetermined activationforce.

In some embodiments, the wireline winch control system may havefunctionality to limit the pull force applied to the cable so that theattenuated pull force at the cable clamping assembly does not exceed thepredetermined activation force to activate the cable clamping assemblyrelease. The integrated control framework may comprise an indicator ofan allowable maximum of the pull force that can be applied to the cablewithout the attenuated pull force at the cable clamping assemblyexceeding the predetermined activation force to activate the cableclamping assembly release.

In some embodiments, the PCL system may further comprise a weakpointrelease formed in the cable at a point between the logging tool and theside entry sub to release the cable from the logging tool uponapplication of a predetermined release force to the cable at theweakpoint. The weakpoint release may comprise a rope-and-socketconnection, for example. The integrated control framework may comprisean indicator of the pull force needed to be applied to the cable abovethe winding so that the attenuated pull force at the weakpoint equalsthe predetermined release force to release the cable from the loggingtool.

In any embodiment of the disclosure, a PCL method of, for example,making or using any embodiments of the PCL system described herein, maycomprise conjugating a logging tool to a lower end of a drillstring,passing a cable from a wireline winch through a side entry sub spacedabove the logging tool, passing the cable inside the drillstring belowthe side entry sub, connecting the cable to the logging tool, andpassing the cable into the wellbore outside the drillstring above theside entry sub.

In some embodiments, the PCL method may further comprise translating thedrillstring in a wellbore with a rig control system in an integratedcontrol framework, translating the cable in the wellbore with a wirelinewinch control system in the integrated control framework, and operatinga controller in the integrated control framework to automaticallysynchronize translation of the drillstring and the cable in thewellbore.

In some embodiments, the PCL method may further comprise winding thecable at least partially around the drillstring above the side entrysub. The method may further comprise applying a pull force to the cablefrom above the winding, and which is attenuated by the winding beforetransmission to the cable below the winding. The PCL method may furthercomprise receiving an angle input parameter for the windingcorresponding to a desired degree of the attenuation, and automaticallycontrolling rotation of the drillstring according to the angle inputparameter.

In some embodiments, the PCL method may further comprise securing thecable to the drillstring below the winding adjacent to the side entrysub, e.g., with a cable clamping assembly, and setting a release of thecable clamping assembly to activate at a predetermined activation forceon the cable. For example, the cable clamping assembly release maycomprise shear bolts set to shear at the predetermined pull force. ThePCL method may further comprise operating the wireline winch controlsystem to limit the pull force applied to the cable so that theattenuated pull force at the cable clamping assembly does not exceed thepredetermined activation force to activate the cable clamping assemblyrelease. The PCL method may further comprise displaying an allowablemaximum of the pull force that can be applied to the cable without theattenuated pull force at the cable clamping assembly exceeding thepredetermined activation force to activate the cable clamping assemblyrelease. The PCL method may further comprise unwinding the cable fromaround the drillstring, and applying a pull force to the cable so thatthe pull force at the cable clamping assembly exceeds the predeterminedactivation force to activate the cable clamping assembly release.

In some embodiments of the disclosure, the PCL method may furthercomprise forming a weakpoint release in the cable at a point between thelogging tool and the side entry sub to release the cable from thelogging tool upon application of a predetermined release force to thecable at the weakpoint. The PCL method may further comprise displayingthe pull force needed to be applied to the cable above the winding sothat the attenuated pull force at the weakpoint would equal thepredetermined release force to release the cable from the logging tool.The PCL method may further comprise limiting the pull force applied tothe cable above the winding so that the attenuated pull force at theweakpoint does not exceed the predetermined release force that wouldrelease the cable from the logging tool. The PCL method may furthercomprise unwinding the cable from around the drillstring, and applying apull force to the cable so that the pull force at the weakpoint exceedsthe predetermined release force to activate the weakpoint release.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the PCL method mayfurther comprise communicating through a databus between the rig controlsystem, the wireline winch control system, and the controller. The PCLmethod may further comprise conditioning a signal in a gateway betweenthe rig control system and the databus, in a gateway between thewireline winch control system and the databus, or a combination thereof.The PCL method may further comprise communicating between ahuman-machine interface and the databus, and/or communicating between ahuman-machine interface and the controller.

In some embodiments according to the present disclosure, a pipe conveyedlogging (PCL) method may comprise conjugating a logging tool to a lowerend of a drillstring, passing a cable from a wireline winch through aside entry sub spaced above the logging tool, passing the cable insidethe drillstring below the side entry sub, connecting the cable to thelogging tool, passing the cable into the wellbore outside thedrillstring above the side entry sub, at least partially winding thecable around the drillstring above the side entry sub, translating thedrillstring and the cable in the wellbore, applying a pull force to thecable above the winding, which is attenuated due to the winding beforebeing transmitted to the cable blow the winding. The PCL method mayfurther comprise unwinding the cable from around the drillstring toremove the attenuation.

Reference is now made to the drawings in which like letters and numeralsdesignate like parts. In some embodiments of the present disclosure,equipment for pipe conveyed logging (PCL) may include a drillstring 10which may be rotated by a drive 12, e.g., a top drive or rotary table(not shown), and raised or lowered in wellbore 14 via drawworks 16connected to the drive 12. A logging tool(s) 18, which may be a stringof logging tools, is coupled to a lower end of the drillstring 10 andattached to a cable 20 via connector 22, which may, for example, be apump-down wet connector that can latch onto docking head 24 at the upperend of the logging tool 18. In some embodiments, the cable 20 runsinside the drillstring 10 from the logging tool 18 up to a side entrysub 26, e.g., a cable side entry sub (CSES), where it passes outside thedrillstring 10, e.g., into the annulus 27. In some embodiments, thecable 20 may be anchored to the drillstring 10, e.g., at cable clampassembly 30 which may be located on the side entry sub 26, and up to thesurface S where it is connected to winch 28.

In some embodiments of the disclosure, the cable 20 has a weakpoint 32disposed between the logging tool 18 and the side entry sub 26, e.g., arope-and-socket connection between the connector 22 and the cable 20. Insome embodiments, the cable 20 is wound at least partially around theoutside diameter (OD) of the drillstring 10 at 34 above the side entrysub 26 and the cable clamp assembly 30, if present, as best seen in FIG.3A. The cable winding 34 adds resistance due to the capstan effect toincrease the release force needed at the winch 28 to release the cable20 from the clamp assembly 30, if present, and the weakpoint 32.

If the release force on the cable 20 at the weakpoint 32 is designed tobe F₀, in a PCL deployment without any cable winding, the force appliedto the wireline at the surface S that is required to break the weakpoint32 can be estimated as F_(a) from the following Equation 1:

F _(a) =F ₀ +F ₁ +F ₂  (1)

where F₀ is the release force needed at the weakpoint 32, F₁ is theweight, or equivalent weight in a deviated well, of the wireline 20between the weakpoint 32 and the CSES 26, and F₂ is the weight, orequivalent weight in a deviated well, of the wireline 20 between theCSES 26 and the surface S. According to embodiments of this disclosure,with the cable winding 34 around the drillstring 10, the applied surfaceforce required to break the weakpoint 32 can be estimated as F_(b) fromthe following Equation 2:

F _(b) =F ₂+(F ₀ +F ₁)e ^(μθ)  (2)

where μ is the friction coefficient between the cable 20 and thedrillstring 10, and as best seen in FIG. 3B, θ is the angle of the cablewinding 34 over the drillstring 20, i.e., for each full wind the cable20 completes around the drillstring 10, the winding angle θ is 2π.

In operation, one can set the release force desired at surface 28(surface weight) as F_(b), that is required to break the weakpoint, anddetermine the corresponding winding angle θ according to Equation 3:

$\begin{matrix}{\theta = {\frac{1}{\mu}{\ln \left( \frac{F_{b} - F_{2}}{F_{0} + F_{1}} \right)}}} & (3)\end{matrix}$

where F_(b), F₀, F₁, F₂, μ, and θ are as defined for Equations 1 and 2.Once the desired angle of winding 34 is determined, during theoperation, after the side entry sub 26 is installed, the drillstring 10may be rotated around the cable 20 to the desired winding angle θ(and/or the cable 20 can be wound around the drillstring 10), then boththe drillstring 10 and the cable 20 can resume running in the wellbore14, while maintaining the rotational orientation of the drillstring 10.As one example, the winch force at surface (surface weight) required torelease the cable clamp 30 at the CSES may be 5000 lbs (22.2 kN), andthe surface weight required to release the weakpoint may be 8000 lbs(35.6 kN). The angle θ of winding 34 can then be used to add a margin toavoid winch operation prematurely releasing the cable from the clampassembly 30 and/or weakpoint 32, e.g., an additional 1,000 to 8,000 lbs(4.45 to 35.6 kN).

In embodiments, winding the cable 20 around the drillpipe 10 may be usedto prevent premature release of the cable clamp 30 and/or weakpoint 32during tripping in or tripping out of the wellbore 14, and the cable 20can be unwound when it is desired to release the cable from the cableclamp 30 and/or weakpoint 32. For example, using the top drive 12 towind the cable 20 around the drillstring 10 in one direction, e.g.clockwise, the force F_(b) needed at the winch 28 to break the weakpoint32 is higher than the force F_(a) that would otherwise be needed if thecable 20 were not wound around the drillstring 20, and thus theweakpoint 32 and/or the cable clamp 30 is less susceptible to prematurerelease due to uncontrolled increase of the wireline tension at thewinch 28. When it is desired to disconnect the weakpoint 32 and/or thecable clamp 30, the wireline winding 34 may be unwound by rotating thedrillstring 10 with the top drive 12 in the opposite direction, e.g.counter-clockwise. Once the cable 20 is unwound to a winding angle θ ofzero, e.g., the force at the winch 28 required to break the weakpoint 32is reduced to the smaller quantity F_(a).

In an exemplary operation, the docking head 24 may be used to connectthe top of the tool 18 to the lower end of the drillstring 10. Stands ofdrillpipe are then connected into the drillstring 10 and run into theborehole 14, e.g., to the top of the interval to be logged, which may,for example, be at a casing shoe. The CSES 26 is inserted and the cable20 is threaded through it. Then, the wet-connect sub 22 is attached tothe cable 20 and pumped downhole in the drillstring 10. The wet-connectsub 22 attaches to the docking head 24, and establishes an electricalconnection to the tool string 18. Next, if desired, the cable 20 may beanchored to the drillstring 10, e.g., at or near the CSES 26, with theclamp assembly 30 and rotated with the drillstring 10 to the desiredwinding angle θ. The drillstring 10 may then advance the tool string 18for logging by adding additional stands above the CSES 26, using the topdrive 12 to maintain the desired degree of rotation.

As another example, the PCL method may be employed when a conventionalwireline logging operation, without PCL, has resulted in the loggingtool 18 becoming stuck in the wellbore 14. In this example, the tool 18may start out in the wellbore 14 already connected to the cable 20. Acut-and-thread procedure may be used, e.g., cutting the cable 20 abovethe surface S, connecting a grappler (not shown) on the lower end of adrillstring 10, and threading the lower cut end of the cable 20 in thewellbore 14 through successive stands of the drillstring 10 as they areadded. When the tool 18 is reached, the grappler may connect to it. Thena cable-cutting tool (not shown) and the CSES 26 may be installed intothe drillstring 10, and the cut end of the cable 20 threaded through theCSES 26 outside the drillstring 10, connected to the other end of thecut cable using, for example, a double-ended torpedo (not shown),optionally anchored with the cable clamp assembly 30, and if desiredwound around the drillstring 10 as needed (see FIGS. 3A and 3B). Thenlogging may proceed by advancing the tool 18 into the wellbore 14,passing the cable 20 into the wellbore 14 outside the drillstring 10 asadditional stands are added. If desired, when the logging operation iscomplete, the cable-cutting tool, if present, may be used to cut thecable 20 below the CSES 26, and the drillstring 10 and cable 20 may beseparately removed from the wellbore 14.

With reference to FIG. 2, the cable 20 and winch 28 are controlledthrough a wireline winch control system (WCS) 40, and rig equipment iscontrolled by a rig control system (RCS) 42. In some embodiments of thepresent disclosure, the operation of the WCS 40 and the RCS 42 iscoordinated in an integrated control framework (ICF) 44 for asynchronous translation of the drillstring 10 and cable 20 in or out ofthe wellbore 14. The ICF 44 may be disposed on the drilling rig, e.g.,with the RCS 42, or in the wireline truck, e.g., with the WCS 40, or ina separate location(s), or parts of the ICF 44 distributed among theseand/or other locations. By integrating both control systems 40, 42 intothe same control framework 44, according to some embodiments of thepresent disclosure, both control systems 40,42 may be automaticallysynchronized such that the drillstring 10 and the cable 20 are run insync with a substantially reduced risk of overstretching, prematurelyreleasing at the weakpoint 30 or cable clamping assembly 32,birdnesting, and/or otherwise damaging the cable 20.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, FIG. 4exemplifies wireline winch control system 40 and rig control system 42integrated into the control framework 44. An optional first gateway 46may be provided to convert status and command data from the WCS 40 to anoptional common databus 50. An optional second gateway 48 may beprovided to convert the status and command data from the RCS 42 to thecommon databus 50, if present. The common databus 50, if present, isconnected to an operation station 52, which may, for example, be ahuman-machine interface (HMI). If desired, the common databus 50, ifpresent, may also connect to a controller 54, which may be used tocoordinate and synchronize the control of the WCS 40 and RCS 42.

The common databus 50, if present, may, for example, use real time fieldbus communication protocols, such as PROFIBUS, MODBUS, or the like; orother real time, Ethernet-based communication protocols, such asEtherCAT, EtherNet IP, or the like; or real time communicationmiddleware, such as a distributed data service (DDS) to enable highperformance control of RCS 40 and RCS 42.

According to some embodiments of the disclosure, as seen in FIG. 5, theWCS 40 and/or RCS 42 may use the same communication protocol as thecommon databus 50, e.g. ProfiNet, ProfiBus, ModBus, ModBus TCP, EthernetIP, EtherCAT, or the like, and communicate directly without the use of agateway(s).

In operation, instead of using a separate operation station HMI-1 forthe WCS and separate operation station HMI-2 for the RCS, and twoseparate operators, as seen in FIG. 1, only a single HMI operationstation 52 may be needed for a PCL job, as seen in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5.Control command is issued through the HMI 52, which may directly pass toeach individual control system, or may be dispatched and monitored viathe controller 54 to each individual control system 40, 42, to controlthe speed of both the drillstring 10 and the cable 20 such that they aresynchronously raised from or lowered into the wellbore 14.

The description herein is with reference to use of the PCL system ormethod in deviated or horizontal wellbores, as an example, not alimitation, and the PCL system may also be used in non-deviated or otherwellbores. The PCL system and method may likewise be used in otherapplications, such as, for example, logging while fishing, e.g., after awireline logging operation has resulted in a stuck tool.

Embodiments Listing

In some aspects, the disclosure herein relates generally to pipeconveyed logging methods, equipment, and/or systems according to thefollowing Embodiments, among others:

-   1. A pipe conveyed logging (PCL) system, comprising:    -   a logging tool conjugated with a lower end of a drillstring;    -   a cable side entry sub located above the logging tool; and    -   a cable connected to the logging tool and passing inside the        drillstring from the logging tool, through the cable side entry        sub, and outside the drillstring above the cable side entry sub        to a winch.-   2. The pipe conveyed logging (PCL) system of Embodiment 1, further    comprising an integrated control framework comprising a rig control    system to translate the drillstring in a wellbore, a wireline winch    control system to translate the cable in the wellbore, and a    controller to automatically synchronize the translation of the    drillstring and the cable in the wellbore.-   3. The PCL system of Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2, further    comprising a drive to rotate the drillstring in the well to wind the    cable at least partially around the drillstring above the cable    clamping assembly, e.g., to assist the tripping the drilling string    and wireline in or out of the well; and/or to unwind the cable,    e.g., when it is desired to assist the release of the cable clamp or    weakpoint.-   4. The PCL system of Embodiment 3, wherein a pull force applied to    the cable from above the winding is attenuated before transmission    to the cable below the winding.-   5. The PCL system of Embodiment 4, wherein the rig control system    automatically controls rotation of the drillstring according to an    angle input parameter for the winding corresponding to a desired    degree of the attenuation.-   6. The PCL system of Embodiment 5, further comprising a cable    clamping assembly securing the cable to the drillstring below the    winding adjacent to the cable side entry sub and comprising a    release set to activate at a predetermined activation force on the    cable.-   7. The PCL system of Embodiment 6, wherein the cable clamping    assembly release comprises shear bolts set to shear at the    predetermined activation force.-   8. The PCL system of Embodiment 6 or Embodiment 7, wherein the    wireline winch control system has functionality to limit the pull    force applied to the cable so that the attenuated pull force at the    cable clamping assembly does not exceed the predetermined activation    force to activate the cable clamping assembly release.-   9. The PCL system of any of Embodiments 6 to 8, wherein the    integrated control framework comprises an indicator of an allowable    maximum of the pull force that can be applied to the cable without    the attenuated pull force at the cable clamping assembly exceeding    the predetermined activation force to activate the cable clamping    assembly release.-   10. The PCL system of Embodiment 5, further comprising a weakpoint    release formed in the cable at a point between the logging tool and    the side entry sub to release the cable from the logging tool upon    application of a predetermined release force to the cable at the    weakpoint.-   11. The PCL system of any of Embodiments 2 to 10, wherein the    integrated control framework comprises an indicator of the pull    force at surface needed to break the weakpoint to release the cable    from the logging tool as a result of any winding.-   12. The PCL system of any of Embodiments 2 to 11, wherein the    integrated control system further comprises a databus in    communication between the rig control system, the wireline winch    control system, and the controller.-   13. The PCL system of Embodiment 12, further comprising a gateway    between the rig control system and the databus, a gateway between    the wireline winch control system and the databus, or a combination    thereof-   14. The PCL system of any of Embodiment 12 and Embodiment 13,    wherein the integrated control system comprises a human-machine    interface in communication with the databus.-   15. The PCL system of any of Embodiments 2 to 14, wherein the    integrated control system further comprises a human-machine    interface in communication with the controller.-   16. The PCL system of any of Embodiments 2 to 15, wherein the    controller resides in the rig control system, the wireline control    system, or a combination thereof; or wherein the controller resides    separately outside the rig control system and the wireline control    system.-   17. The system of any of Embodiments 1 to 16, wherein the wellbore    is deviated or horizontal.-   18. A pipe conveyed logging (PCL) system optionally according to any    one of Embodiments 1 to 17, comprising:    -   a logging tool conjugated with a lower end of a drillstring;    -   a cable side entry sub located above the logging tool;    -   a cable connected to the logging tool and passing inside the        drillstring from the logging tool, through the cable side entry        sub, and outside the drillstring above the side entry sub to a        winch;    -   a cable clamping assembly securing the cable to the drillstring        adjacent to the cable side entry sub and comprising a release        set to activate at a predetermined pull force on the cable;    -   a weakpoint formed in the cable between the logging tool and the        cable side entry sub to release the cable from the logging tool        upon application of a predetermined release force to the cable        at the weakpoint; and    -   a drive to selectively wind and unwind the cable at least        partially around the drillstring above the cable clamping        assembly, e.g. winding for tripping and unwinding before        releasing the cable at the weakpoint.-   19. A pipe conveyed logging (PCL) method, comprising:    -   (a) conjugating a logging tool to a lower end of a drillstring;    -   (b) passing a cable from a wireline winch through a cable side        entry sub spaced above the logging tool;    -   (c) passing the cable inside the drillstring below the cable        side entry sub;    -   (d) connecting the cable to the logging tool;    -   (e) passing the cable into the wellbore outside the drillstring        above the cable side entry sub;    -   (f) translating the drillstring in a wellbore with a rig control        system in an integrated control framework;    -   (g) translating the cable in the wellbore with a wireline winch        control system in the integrated control framework; and    -   (h) operating a controller in the integrated control framework        to automatically synchronize translation of the drillstring and        the cable in the wellbore.-   20. The PCL method of Embodiment 19, further comprising winding the    cable at least partially around the drillstring above the side entry    sub.-   21. The PCL method of Embodiment 20, further comprising:    -   attenuating a pull force applied to the cable from above the        winding; and    -   transmitting the attenuated pull force to the cable below the        winding.-   22. The PCL method of Embodiment 20 or Embodiment 21, further    comprising:    -   receiving an angle input parameter for the winding corresponding        to a desired degree of the attenuation; and    -   automatically controlling rotation of the drillstring according        to the angle input parameter.-   23. The PCL method of any of Embodiments 20 to 22, further    comprising:    -   securing the cable to the drillstring below the winding adjacent        to the side entry sub with a cable clamping assembly; and    -   setting a release of the cable clamping assembly to activate at        a predetermined activation force on the cable.-   24. The PCL method of Embodiment 23, wherein the cable clamping    assembly release comprises shear bolts set to shear at the    predetermined pull force.-   25. The PCL method of Embodiment 23 or Embodiment 24, further    comprising operating the wireline winch control system to limit the    pull force applied to the cable so that the attenuated pull force at    the cable clamping assembly does not exceed the predetermined    activation force to activate the cable clamping assembly release.-   26. The PCL method of any of Embodiments 23 to 25, further    comprising displaying an allowable maximum of the pull force that    can be applied to the cable without the attenuated pull force at the    cable clamping assembly exceeding the predetermined activation force    to activate the cable clamping assembly release.-   27. The PCL method of any of Embodiments 23 to 26, further    comprising:    -   unwinding the cable from around the drillstring; and    -   applying a pull force to the cable so that the pull force at the        cable clamping assembly exceeds the predetermined activation        force to activate the cable clamping assembly release.-   28. The PCL method of any of Embodiments 20 to 27, further    comprising forming a weakpoint release in the cable at a point    between the logging tool and the side entry sub to release the cable    from the logging tool upon application of a predetermined release    force to the cable at the weakpoint.-   29. The PCL method of Embodiment 28, further comprising displaying    the pull force needed to be applied to the cable above the winding    so that the attenuated pull force at the weakpoint would equal the    predetermined release force to release the cable from the logging    tool.-   30. The PCL method of Embodiment 28 or Embodiment 29, further    comprising limiting the pull force applied to the cable above the    winding so that the attenuated pull force at the weakpoint does not    exceed the predetermined release force that would release the cable    from the logging tool.-   31. The PCL method of any of Embodiments 28 to 30, further    comprising:    -   unwinding the cable from around the drillstring; and    -   applying a pull force to the cable so that the pull force at the        weakpoint exceeds the predetermined release force to activate        the weakpoint release.-   32. The PCL method of any of Embodiments 19 to 31, further    comprising communicating through a databus between the rig control    system, the wireline winch control system, and the controller.-   33. The PCL method of Embodiment 32, further comprising conditioning    a signal in a gateway between the rig control system and the    databus, in a gateway between the wireline winch control system and    the databus, or a combination thereof-   34. The PCL method of Embodiment 32 or Embodiment 33, further    comprising communicating between a human-machine interface and the    databus.-   35. The PCL method of any of Embodiments 19 to 34, further    comprising communicating between a human-machine interface and the    controller.-   36. A pipe conveyed logging (PCL) method, optionally according to    any of Embodiments 19 to 35, comprising:    -   (a) conjugating a logging tool to a lower end of a drillstring;    -   (b) passing a cable from a wireline winch through a cable side        entry sub spaced above the logging tool;    -   (c) passing the cable inside the drillstring below the cable        side entry sub;    -   (d) connecting the cable to the logging tool;    -   (e) placing a weakpoint in the cable between the cable side        entry sub and the logging tool;    -   (f) passing the cable into the wellbore outside the drillstring        above the cable side entry sub;    -   (g) at least partially winding the cable around the drillstring        above the cable side entry sub; and    -   (h) translating the drillstring and the cable in the wellbore.-   37. The PCL method of Embodiment 36, further comprising applying a    pull force to the cable above the winding.-   38. The PCL method of Embodiment 36 or Embodiment 37, further    comprising unwinding the cable from around the drillstring to remove    the attenuation.

Although only a few exemplary embodiments have been described in detailabove, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that manymodifications are possible in the example embodiments without materiallydeparting from this disclosure. For example, any embodimentsspecifically described may be used in any combination or permutationwith any other specific embodiments described herein. Accordingly, allsuch modifications are intended to be included within the scope of thisdisclosure as defined in the following claims. In the claims,means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structuresdescribed herein as performing the recited function and not onlystructural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. Thus, although anail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in that a nailemploys a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together, whereas ascrew employs a helical surface, in the environment of fastening woodenparts, a nail and a screw may be equivalent structures. It is theexpress intention of the applicant not to invoke 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) forany limitations of any of the claims herein, except for those in whichthe claim expressly uses the words ‘means for’ or ‘step for’ togetherwith an associated function without the recitation of structure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A pipe conveyed logging (PCL) system, comprising:a logging tool conjugated with a lower end of a drillstring; a cableside entry sub located above the logging tool; a cable connected to thelogging tool and passing inside the drillstring from the logging tool,through the cable side entry sub, and outside the drillstring above thecable side entry sub to a winch; a weakpoint release formed in the cableat a point between the logging tool and the cable side entry sub torelease the cable from the logging tool upon application of apredetermined release force to the cable at the weakpoint; and anintegrated control framework comprising a rig control system totranslate the drillstring in a wellbore, a wireline winch control systemto translate the cable in the wellbore, and a controller toautomatically synchronize the translation of the drillstring and thecable in the wellbore.
 2. The PCL system of claim 1, further comprisinga drive to rotate the drillstring in the well to selectively wind andunwind the cable at least partially around the drillstring above thecable clamping assembly.
 3. The PCL system of claim 2, wherein the rigcontrol system automatically controls rotation of the drillstringaccording to an angle input parameter for the winding corresponding to adesired degree of the attenuation.
 4. The PCL system of claim 3, furthercomprising a cable clamping assembly securing the cable to thedrillstring below the winding adjacent to the cable side entry sub andcomprising a release set to activate at a predetermined activation forceon the cable.
 5. The PCL system of claim 4, wherein the wireline winchcontrol system has functionality to limit the pull force applied to thecable so that the pull force transmitted the cable clamping assemblydoes not exceed the predetermined activation force to activate the cableclamping assembly release.
 6. The PCL system of claim 5, wherein theintegrated control framework comprises an indicator of an allowablemaximum of the pull force that can be applied to the cable without theattenuated pull force at the cable clamping assembly exceeding thepredetermined activation force to activate the cable clamping assemblyrelease.
 7. The PCL system of claim 1, wherein the integrated controlframework comprises an indicator of the pull force at surface needed tobreak the weakpoint to release the cable from the logging tool as aresult of any winding.
 8. The PCL system of claim 1, wherein theintegrated control system further comprises a databus in communicationbetween the rig control system, the wireline winch control system, andthe controller.
 9. The PCL system of claim 8, further comprising agateway between the rig control system and the databus, a gatewaybetween the wireline winch control system and the databus, or acombination thereof.
 10. The PCL system of claim 8, wherein theintegrated control system comprises a human-machine interface incommunication with the databus.
 11. A pipe conveyed logging (PCL)system, comprising: a logging tool conjugated with a lower end of adrillstring; a cable side entry sub located above the logging tool; acable connected to the logging tool and passing inside the drillstringfrom the logging tool, through the cable side entry sub, and outside thedrillstring above the cable side entry sub to a winch; a cable clampingassembly securing the cable to the drillstring adjacent to the cableside entry sub and comprising a release set to activate at apredetermined pull force on the cable; a drive to selectively wind andunwind the cable at least partially around the drillstring above thecable clamping assembly; and a weakpoint formed in the cable between thelogging tool and the cable side entry sub to release the cable from thelogging tool upon application of a predetermined release force to thecable at the weakpoint.
 12. A pipe conveyed logging (PCL) method,comprising: (a) conjugating a logging tool to a lower end of adrillstring; (b) passing a cable from a wireline winch through a cableside entry sub spaced above the logging tool; (c) passing the cableinside the drillstring below the cable side entry sub; (d) connectingthe cable to the logging tool; (e) passing the cable into the wellboreoutside the drillstring above the cable side entry sub; (f) forming aweakpoint release in the cable at a point between the logging tool andthe cable side entry sub to release the cable from the logging tool uponapplication of a predetermined release force to the cable at theweakpoint; (g) translating the drillstring in a wellbore with a rigcontrol system in an integrated control framework; (h) translating thecable in the wellbore with a wireline winch control system in theintegrated control framework; and (i) operating a controller in theintegrated control framework to automatically synchronize translation ofthe drillstring and the cable in the wellbore.
 13. The PCL method ofclaim 12, further comprising winding the cable at least partially aroundthe drillstring above the cable side entry sub.
 14. The PCL method ofclaim 13, further comprising: receiving an angle input parameter for thewinding corresponding to a desired degree of the attenuation; andautomatically controlling rotation of the drillstring according to theangle input parameter.
 15. The PCL method of claim 14, furthercomprising: securing the cable to the drillstring below the windingadjacent to the cable side entry sub with a cable clamping assembly; andsetting a release of the cable clamping assembly to activate at apredetermined activation force on the cable.
 16. The PCL method of claim15, further comprising: unwinding the cable from around the drillstring;and applying a pull force to the cable so that the pull force at thecable clamping assembly exceeds the predetermined activation force toactivate the cable clamping assembly release.
 17. The PCL method ofclaim 12, further comprising: unwinding the cable from around thedrillstring; and applying a pull force to the cable so that the pullforce at the weakpoint exceeds the predetermined release force toactivate the weakpoint release.
 18. The PCL method of claim 12, furthercomprising communicating through a databus between the rig controlsystem, the wireline winch control system, and the controller.
 19. ThePCL method of claim 18, further comprising conditioning a signal in agateway between the rig control system and the databus, in a gatewaybetween the wireline winch control system and the databus, or acombination thereof.
 20. The PCL method of claim 18, further comprisingcommunicating between a human-machine interface and the databus.
 21. Apipe conveyed logging (PCL) method, comprising: (a) conjugating alogging tool to a lower end of a drillstring; (b) passing a cable from awireline winch through a cable side entry sub spaced above the loggingtool; (c) passing the cable inside the drillstring below the cable sideentry sub; (d) connecting the cable to the logging tool; (e) placing aweakpoint in the cable between the cable side entry sub and the loggingtool; (f) passing the cable into the wellbore outside the drillstringabove the cable side entry sub; (g) at least partially winding the cablearound the drillstring above the cable side entry sub; (h) translatingthe drillstring and the cable in the wellbore.
 22. The PCL method ofclaim 21, further comprising unwinding the cable from around thedrillstring to before activating the process to release break theweakpoint.